Tracking the market and economic trends that shape your finances.

PETA wants spider-infested Mazda cars

March 7, 2011 | 10:41
am

The animal-rights group is asking arachnophobics to donate their Mazda6 sedans to the organization to be used in animal-rescue activities.

Last week, Mazda Motor Corp. said it would recall 65,000 cars to fix a problem with spiders nesting in tiny rubber hoses linked to fuel tank systems that could cause pressurization and ventilation problems in certain cars.

The Japanese automaker said the infestation by the yellow sac spider, or Cheiracanthium inclusum, could cause fuel leaks and even fires.

"It's a win-win situation for compassionate people who suffer from arachnophobia, one of the most common phobias," said Ingrid E. Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "The spiders will be out of their sight, and the cars will be put to good use in the service of PETA's lifesaving fieldwork rescuing much larger life forms."

PETA claims it will “safely remove the spiders from any donated cars and release them into a wooded area near the organization's headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia. “

The organization said a member once discovered a mouse living in the glove compartment of her new Jeep and donated both to PETA.